James E. Whitton, 80, a resident of Rome, GA for the past 15 years, and formerly of Highland, NY, died peacefully with the presence of family at home on February 26, 2011. Born November 25, 1930 in the Bronx, he was the son of James and Lorraine (Barrows) Whitton. He married Susanne Donaghue in December 1949. For 36 years he was employed at Central Hudson Gas & Electric. He was an active parishoner at St. Joseph's Catholic Church from 1955 to 1996. Besides his wife of 61 years, he is survived by sons James of Fishkill, NY; Kevin and wife Kathleen of Rome, GA; Gregory and his wife Marie of Cartersville, GA; Stephen and his wife Susan of St. Petersburg, FL; Brian and his wife Donna of Ridgefield, CT; Michael and his wife Tina of Tampa, FL; Christopher and his wife Anne of Hopewell Jct, NY and Neil of Mamaroneck, NY. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, as well as his sister Eileen Glass of Higley, AZ and her 3 children. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 3 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at Copeland Funeral Home, 162 South Putt Corners, New Paltz. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 4 at 10 am at St. Joseph's Church, New Paltz followed by internment in Gate of Heaven Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, contibutions may be made in James' name to St. Joseph's Church, 34 S. Chestnut St., New Paltz, NY 12561.

Dad (James) was a simple, honorable, and proud man. He lived a fulfilling life. Simple in that he put others before him. Honorable in that he was a man of faith, belief, and convictions. Proud in that he loved his family most and foremost. Dad was a hard worker, having raised 8 sons with our Mother. He led a distinguished long tenured career (36 years) as an Electrician with the local Utility Company. Fortunately, Dad was able to also enjoy a lengthy and well deserved retirement, with Family and Friends. Dad loved his Family most - his wife of 60+ years, Susanne, whom he loved and respected dearly. Dad loved his children, all eight, equally and unbiased. Dad cherished his Grandchildren, and we appreciated his guidance and support in raising our kids. And Dad was a Great Grandfather. Dad was proud of his Family, his finest moments in life, and loved our Family Reunions. I and we could write pages and pages of Dad's life, his accomplishments, his teachings and guidance to us, and our love for him - there simply isn't enough paper to write all of this.